Kaitlyn
Verfuerth

Wheelchair Tennis

Kaitlyn Verfuerth was introduced to wheelchair sports shortly after being injured in a car accident at the age of seven. Wheelchair tennis was the sport that stuck with her and has taken her around the world, including the 2004 Paralympic Games. Verfuerth says some of the biggest highlights of her career have come from representing the U.S. in international play, particularly in Athens. After creating another memory by winning gold in both singles and doubles at the Parapan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Verfuerth hoped to parlay that success into medals at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China. Competing in singles and doubles, Verfuerth did not medal.

Verfuerth moved from the Midwest to southern California, where she trains with coach Jason Harnett, an assistant coach on the U.S. National Team. When she's not playing tennis, she works as a retail sales representative and goes to school. She completed her associate's degree in general education at Mt. San Antonio College.

The Wisconsin native enjoys shopping, music, movies and being with friends and family, who Verfuerth says have always been there to provide encouragement and support. "I think it's important to be around people that make you happy," Verfuerth says.

When she's watching tennis, Verfuerth says her favorite player is Kim Clijsters, although she's begun following Venus and Serena Williams since Clijsters' retirement. She says she also admires Roger Federer's game because "he looks so effortless on the court."